ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - With the first group of Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) fighters scheduled to disarm on Friday, July 11, Tuncer Bakirhan, co-chair of Turkey’s pro-Kurdish Peoples' Equality and Democracy Party (DEM Party), spoke to Rudaw about the prospects for peace and urged the Turkish government to respond with concrete measures.
In an interview with Rudaw’s Shawkat Harki aired on Tuesday, Bakirhan confirmed that his party will attend the PKK disarmament ceremony in Sulaimani. He stated that the initial group expected to disarm will include "30 to 40 members" of the PKK, who will formally lay down and destroy their weapons.
Bakirhan also said a message from jailed PKK leader Abdullah Ocalan is expected to be delivered during the ceremony. "Without his [Ocalan’s] message, the PKK itself has said they won’t proceed [with disarmament]," he explained. "Mr. Ocalan’s message is essential." He noted there is a "high possibility" the message will be delivered in video format.
Friday’s event marks a significant step in a broader peace initiative spearheaded by the DEM Party, aimed at resolving the four-decade conflict between the PKK and the Turkish state - a conflict that has claimed more than 40,000 lives, primarily PKK fighters.
In May, the PKK announced its intention to dissolve, following a February appeal by Ocalan to abandon armed struggle in favor of a political resolution focused on Kurdish rights.
Ankara has cautiously welcomed the announcement, with Turkish officials emphasizing the need for concrete steps to fully complete the disarmament process. The PKK, in turn, has called for democratic reforms and greater cultural and political rights for Kurds as prerequisites for sustainable peace.
With the PKK preparing to disarm, Bakirhan stressed that “the ball is now in the government’s court.” He called on the Turkish state to respond with democratic reforms, including recognition of Kurdish language rights, the release of political prisoners, and the restoration of political freedoms. “There are currently an estimated 300,000 to 400,000 people in prison, including our party’s co-chairs, parliamentarians, and elected mayors,” he said.
Bakirhan also urged the swift formation of a parliamentary commission to oversee the reintegration of former fighters and address broader Kurdish issues through legislation.
The DEM Party co-chair further praised the Kurdistan Region’s constructive role in the peace process, noting, "From the beginning of the peace process until now, the Kurdistan Region has played a positive role. Their statements and actions have greatly contributed to this effort."
The following is the full transcript of the interview.
Rudaw: Greetings and respect to our dear Rudaw viewers. At a time of significant developments in Ankara, public and political attention is focused on the upcoming PKK disarmament ceremony.
Meanwhile, serious negotiations are underway to create a new constitution and establish a parliamentary commission. Most recently, as is known, a delegation from the DEM Party visited Imrali Island and met with respected Mr. [Abdullah] Ocalan. In light of this, we are at the DEM Party headquarters.
Our guest today is the co-chair of the DEM Party, respected Mr. Tuncer Bakirhan. We will ask him questions about current issues. First of all, welcome.
Tuncer Bakirhan: Thank you, welcome to our center. I also greet your viewers and the Rudaw TV staff.
We see each other often, especially out in the field, but this is our first time doing a formal interview like this.
Yes, we've met many times, but this is our first interview together.
I’d like to start with the most pressing issue. As you know, a delegation from your party visited Imrali Island and met with Mr. Ocalan. What was his latest message regarding the PKK disarmament process?
Yes, this is indeed a very important and historic process. The war has lasted 40 years, with great losses on both the Kurdish side and the State. Mr. Ocalan has expressed that this war must end, that weapons should be laid down, removed from the environment, and that democratic politics should take precedence.
He made a call to his party, the PKK, and they responded in a historic way. The PKK agreed to lay down arms at his request and convened a congress to announce this. On the 11th of this month, there will be a disarmament ceremony. We will attend, and it will take place in the Kurdistan Region. Representatives from Turkish political parties, labor, women's, and youth organizations are also expected to be present. God willing, it will happen successfully and continue safely.
The Respected Mr. Ocalan has said that weapons were once a necessary tool during the era of real socialism, 30-40 years ago. It was a very important tool and instrument during the era of real socialism. But now that phase is over. The Kurdish people have led a great struggle and built a strong organization. Today, both Kurds and their rights are increasingly recognized. While legal and political steps may still be lacking, even the government and non-racist segments of society now acknowledge the existence of the Kurdish people and talk about their rights.
God willing, after disarmament, the Parliament will take a leading role. A commission will be established, and all parties in Parliament will be represented in it. Legal and political matters will be addressed there.
You mentioned the ceremony will be held on the 11th. Some say it will be in Sulaimani and that preparations are underway. I’m curious - will a message from Mr. Ocalan be shared during the ceremony, either in writing or via video?
Certainly there will be a message from him. Without his message, the PKK itself said we won't do it. Mr. Ocalan's message is necessary. There will be a message from him. His message will outline the path of democratic politics for both the party and the State. We are also curious and eager to hear what he will say during the ceremony.
Is there a chance Mr. Ocalan’s message will be in video format?
I say there is a high possibility that it will be a video.
After the DEM Party delegation returned from Imrali, they met with you and with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. What topics were discussed in the meeting with the Turkish President?
The truth is that the Kurdish question is clear. Our delegation met with Mr. Erdogan after a 2-3 hour meeting with Mr. Ocalan on Imrali Island. They likely conveyed his message. We've held thousands of meetings before, and they may have communicated the demands of our people or discussed a roadmap.
At this stage, the major responsibility lies on the shoulders of the respected Mr.Erdogan, on the shoulders of the government and parliament. Until now, they said the problem was the PKK and the weapons. After the 11th, that issue will no longer be on the table. The ball will be in the government's court. Legal and political rights for Kurds, language rights, the issue of political prisoners, and the trustee system will become key topics. Now that the PKK is laying down arms - a positive step in our view - democratic steps must follow.
People want peace. As we travel across Turkey, we hear this from everyone: Turks, Kurds, Arabs, women, and men. But until now, the government's actions so far haven't inspired confidence. The government needs to gain the nation's trust now and it needs to take democratic steps for this. For example, there are 300 to 400 thousand people currently in jail. They arrested our co-chairs, our parliamentarians, our mayors. Trustees were appointed in contradiction to the will of the people. A solution needs to be found for this.
People are afraid to express their opinions publicly or on social media. Opposition mayors are being arrested. If there is peace, why do such things still happen? We don’t want peace just between Kurds and the government - we want peace for all of Turkey: with Kurds, Alawites, youth, and everyone. The Kurdish and Turkish issues should come to the table. The parliament and the commission should work on Kurdish language rights and political rights, as well as on the demands of the Alawites.
You mentioned the ceremony on the 11th, which the world is watching. What will the program look like? How many PKK members will disarm? Will the weapons be burned or handed over? Do you have any technical information?
We don’t know many details yet. We’re guests at the event. Probably around 30–40 PKK militants - more or less - will disarm. That is the beginning. If the government’s intention is genuine, disarmament will grow and larger groups will lay down arms in future ceremonies. But for that to happen, laws need to be passed: what will these fighters do? Where will they go? Their families and lives are here. They need a plan, but this is the first step, and I believe it will continue gradually.
There has been a long history of efforts to resolve the Kurdish question. Since 1993 many attempts have been made. Are you afraid that this atmosphere will once again fall apart, or are you more hopeful this time?
Of course, every possibility exists. We believe in ourselves, we believe in our people. We have been among the people for the last 3-4 months. Our faith is greater this time. Because we all see the developments in the Middle East. There are threats and pressures. Against these threats, democracy is the greatest security. Turkey also knows this well. Either we will become like the Middle East, or we will be a democratic country and solve Turkey's problems. Our faith is greater this time. Because we know the government also has a need, the state also has a need.
Everyone is tired - the state, families, the Kurdish people. This war has raged on for 40–45 years. Turkey’s economy is also suffering. People know that war spending takes away from their own bread and livelihood. This time, society-wide faith is greater. Turkey faces threats and pressures in the Middle East; democracy is the best security. Turkey could either follow the path of regional turmoil, or it could become a true democracy and resolve its problems. We have greater optimism this time. But we must be careful of provocations, especially in this region. God willing, I believe it can succeed.
There are threats and pressures. Against these threats, democracy is the greatest security. Turkey knows this well. Either we become like the rest of the Middle East, or we become a democratic country and solve Turkey's problems. Our faith is greater this time, because we know the government also has needs - the state also has needs. We are all tired. The state is tired, families are tired. This war has gone on for 40 to 45 years. Everyone wants it to end now. This war is also damaging Turkey’s economy. Those who are struggling financially also want the war to end. They know very well that the money spent on war is their bread and olive money. Their money is going to this war. This time, it’s not just our faith - everyone has faith. In this regard, our belief is strong. We are not engaging in politics or tactics - we truly want this resolved. Are there provocations? Yes, there are. This is Turkey, this is the Middle East. Therefore, we need to be very careful - with our language, our words, and our actions. God willing, I believe it will succeed this time.
There is also serious public support. The Rawest Research Center in Diyarbakir conducted research showing that 65 percent of Turks and 81 percent of Kurds support this process. Doesn’t this increase your faith? How do you see this support?
Yes, yes, this is very important. If there’s no public support, what can we do? The government sees this too. Initially, they had some hesitation, but centers like Rawest and other research institutes conducted surveys and saw that the public supports this process. As you can see, the government came around. That’s a good thing. When the nation is involved and gives support, success is more likely. The people’s support and demands increase our belief. You’re right.
Let me also ask about the [main opposition Republican People’s Party] CHP’s stance. People - both Kurds and Turks - support this process. But does the CHP, as the main opposition, recognize this public support? How do you see the CHP’s stance?
Honestly, the CHP’s initial stance was very good. We, along with the Imrali delegation, met with them 3 to 4 times. We visited each other. But recently, pressure on them has increased. Their mayors were arrested, trustees appointed, and this pressure continues. So, they’ve shown some hesitation. Yesterday, we visited them again - our delegation made contact. The Imrali delegation may visit again soon. The CHP’s involvement is very important. It's now the first party.
Whether we accept it or not, if they support this work, things will move better and faster. We want them at the table - to sit with them and hear their views. Their stance is not bad. You know there are nationalist elements within, but their leadership has been good - they haven’t opposed this process. They have offered some support, which is appreciated. Not just the CHP - all organizations in Turkey need to be involved in this work. The more helpers this process has, the easier and more successful it will be. So, when we meet with the government, we always say: this is not just about us and the AKP. This is everyone’s process - for all of Turkey. Therefore, everyone in Turkey needs to be involved. The door must be open to all. The government falls short here - it tries to keep the opposition out of this work. We share our words, demands, and values with the government on this.
There is a plan for a small group of PKK members to lay down weapons on the 11th of the month, as you mentioned. In your opinion, when will the PKK completely disarm? What will happen to guerrillas who lay down arms - will they return to Turkey, stay in the Kurdistan Region, or go elsewhere? Has any plan or strategy been made?
Probably, the state has preparations. Globally, whenever combatants disarm and peace is made, there are procedures. There have been 56 examples worldwide. Some were successful, others are ongoing. Those that succeeded found good solutions - those who laid down weapons returned to social and political life, went home, engaged in politics, became regular citizens, and their cases were closed. They helped the peace process. It should be like that now too. Those who disarm will have to return. But initially, we’ll need to see the government’s sincerity. If the state is sincere, all weapons will be laid down.
In Turkish, we say “road cleaning” must be done. That’s why we say the parliamentary commission is very important - this work must be done in parliament. If the commission is formed quickly, the parliament speaker will have a key role. This commission must address topics like: what happens to those who disarm, where they go, and how they reintegrate. We want them to return to their country, to their families and friends. Mr. Ocalan has said so too. Once peace is made, we shouldn't overanalyze who comes, who doesn’t, who stays or leaves. Our main concern should be achieving peace. The rest are just procedures - details, not the heart of the matter. But I believe the organization will closely watch the government’s response after the initial disarmament. If the government is sincere - I've been in politics for 30 to 40 years, and I’ve seen many similar processes that didn’t work - this time the PKK also seems sincere. Their words and actions show this. They responded very quickly to the respected Mr. Ocalan. That’s unprecedented globally. Usually, disarmament divides organizations - some disarm, some don’t, some leave, some stay. They aren’t completely unified. But this time, Turkey has a unique opportunity, because Mr. Ocalan exists. His will is recognized by both the organization and the Kurdish people. I believe the government’s approach will bring a quick resolution, step by step - it’s now in their hands.
You mentioned the commission. This has been on the agenda for some time. What stage is it at now? Has any step been taken? If a commission is formed, what will its mission, goal, and role be? What laws will regulate its work?
The parliament speaker needs to meet with the parties. Proposals for the commission have been submitted. We also submitted our proposals. Today, the CHP submitted theirs too. I believe the Speaker is collecting all views and working on a formula - for the commission’s name, its content, what role it will have, how much authority it will hold, its legislative power. These are all key issues. We say: gather everyone’s input. The parliament is the address for a solution. The Speaker told the group leaders that he’s working on this - gathering views from all parties that will be part of the commission - and once a formula is agreed upon, work will begin. The commission will address what laws are needed for those who disarm, prisons, trustees, and economic concerns. This is also an economic issue. For hundreds of years, the Kurdish territories have lacked economic investment and services. If this issue is solved, we must work on that too. Regarding the commission, the Speaker says work is ongoing. After the disarmament ceremony, progress may speed up.
There’s also talk of a new constitution. All political parties say the current one, made after a coup, should be replaced. Is any work being done? How will Kurds and Turks be defined? Will Kurdish language and rights be part of it? Is there a schedule?
So far, in our meetings with the government and with Mr. Ocalan, this issue hasn't come to our this hasn’t come up. It’s still early.
You're going step by step...
Yes, step by step. The constitution is the final step. First, we need peace and resolution, then Kurdish rights should be recognized constitutionally. We’re talking about language, regional democracy, and other problems - all constitutional matters. Is a new constitution needed? Yes - like water and bread. But not now. We are still at the beginning. The constitution is the final stage. It can’t be done just through our demands. The opposition must want it, the people must want it, and the people must be involved in its creation. Public input is essential. The constitution will come up eventually - but not now. It’s not on our agenda yet.
Let’s talk about northeast Syria (Rojava). Is Rojava discussed in meetings with Mr. Ocalan, the government, and the president? Or do you view it as separate, with its own issues to resolve?
As the DEM Party, our view is clear. Rojava undoubtedly has an influence here. But it also has its own context. Just like we say Amed and Ankara, there are also Qamishli and Damascus. If the process goes well here, the influence will extend there. But that is another country. If things improve here, it will have an impact there, in the Kurdistan Region, in Iraq, and in Eastern Kurdistan (Rojhelat).
We tell the state: Kurds are not your enemies. 10 to 15 years ago, you said the Kurdistan Region was a threat. Now your relations with the Region are better than those with states you’ve had as neighbors for centuries. We remind them: you said the same about the Region before, now your relations are good. It’s the same for Rojava - they are not enemies of the Turks or of Turkey. They want their rights. The people there fought for their rights and want a recognized status. Briefly: if things go well here, it will help the situation there. It will ease a solution. Turkey’s approach will improve too. You saw - before, they were shelling hospitals and schools with tanks and artillery. That has stopped. That’s meaningful to us. People ask, “What did you gain?” We say: attacks on Rojava stopped - and that’s a big deal for us. There’s a mutual influence.
I asked about Rojava. Let me also ask about the Kurdistan Region. We know you also have relations with the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG). In this process, your delegations visited both Sulaimani and Erbil. How do you see the Kurdistan Region’s stance and role in this process?
From the beginning of the peace process until now, the Kurdistan Region has played a positive role. Their statements and actions have greatly contributed to this process. We sincerely thank them. They have done well - and this is exactly what Kurds needed. We are all Kurds. Some of us remain in Iraq, some in Iran, others in Syria. By God, the pain and rights of a Kurd in Kirkuk are our pain and concern too. Just as I know the pain of Qamishli affects them, they feel the sorrow of Amed as well. So, they have taken a very good stance.
Their representatives even joined us for Newroz. We held meetings, and we saw clearly that they want this process to succeed. We need to continue the political solidarity and unity that has emerged among Kurds over the last five or six months. We must support one another in our struggles for rights, justice, and political recognition. We are one nation - we share one language and one geography. But we are citizens of different countries.
Now, the Kurdistan Region should focus more on advancing Kurdish unity. Respected Öcalan has emphasized the importance of Kurdish unity. He suggested that a national conference should be held, and that respected Mr. Masoud Barzani could preside over it. These are significant steps. Just three or four years ago, this was unimaginable. There were walls between Kurds. But through this process, those walls have begun to fall. Personally, I’m very pleased - and our party is pleased as well. God willing, this will continue. This process will carry on. We will continue our visits and meetings. We’ll exchange ideas, share our demands, and listen to theirs. I see things progressing well, and I am optimistic.
We will keep focusing on Kurdish unity, but of course, the Kurdistan Regional Government must also be in good shape. The Middle East is in turmoil - governments are collapsing, war is widespread - and this saddens us. If there were a stronger and more stable government there, things would be easier. Both we and they want this. We must play a leading role in internal Kurdish unity. And if this process places any responsibility on their shoulders, by God, they will fulfill it. We have full faith in that.
The peace process also brought Kurds closer to one another.
Yes, you're absolutely right. Until now, each group had pursued its own political path. But now, I see that there is a shared, collective Kurdish political consciousness emerging. That’s a very positive development. With the launch of this process, one of the best outcomes has been that our collective demands, voice, and stance have become more unified. We need to carry this forward.
As you know, apart from the PKK guerrillas, there are also the Kurdistan Community Union (KCK) and PKK administrators. After the disarmament, once weapons are laid down, what will happen to them? Is there a plan? Will they return to Turkey, go to another country, or stay in the Kurdistan Region?
There may very well be a plan, but so far this issue hasn’t been brought to us. If it had, I would have told you. But I’m sure there is a plan. As for where they will stay - whether in the Kurdistan Region or somewhere else - it’s still too early to say. These matters will become clearer in the coming days, and we’ll be able to give you proper answers then.
You will also be holding your party congress as the DEM Party. Respected Mr. Ocalan proposed changing the party’s name to the Democratic Republic Party. At this congress, will there be a name change? What changes might be made to your party's platform?
By God, the biggest benefit of this process has been for the DEM Party. A significant space has opened up for us - and will continue to open. Until now, we have been oppressed and arrested. People were afraid to even come near our party. They were afraid to attend our events, our programs. But if a democratic space is truly established, it will be incredibly beneficial for us. This also means we will grow - our base will expand. And as we grow, we also need to strengthen and prepare ourselves. In terms of knowledge, in terms of numbers - we have friends who are very capable. We will renew ourselves. With our strength, alliances, and organization, new days lie ahead. We are already working on this.
My last question - but actually, it’s not mine. A few days ago, I was in Gever. As Rudaw, you know we visit the Region often. While in Gever, located in Hakkari Province, southeastern Turkey, a citizen asked me: “After the peace process, will Selahattin Demirtas be released?” I told him, “That answer is not mine to give, but when I go to Ankara, I will ask the respected Tuncer Bakirhan.” So I’m asking now: Will respected Selahattin Demirtas, your imprisoned co-chairs, parliamentarians, and mayors be released at the end of this process?
Let me put it this way - if they are not released, then there is no process. If the process is truly successful, no one will remain in prison. President Selahattin, President Figen, Leyla Guven, Ayse Gurkan… if I were to list every name, I wouldn’t finish even in three or four hours. One of the key aspects of this process is the issue of prisons - our arrested and exiled friends.
There are also thousands of our friends in the Kurdistan Region. Some are from the KCK, some from the PKK - not those who engage in our politics, but those the state has punished. The truth is, they’ve done nothing to deserve punishment. But as you know, our political movement has faced extreme oppression until now. All of them will return. All those in prisons will be released. If this doesn’t happen, then the process isn’t going in the right direction.
Many thanks for your time. Would you like to share a final message?
Thank you - I’m very pleased. This is the first time I’ve given an interview in Kurdish. God willing, our people will be pleased too. Now we will be more courageous - maybe we’ll even begin giving reports and speeches in our own language. I thank you as well. May your home be prosperous.
Your television station plays an important role. I know this well. Both among Kurds and throughout the Middle East, people listen to you. Whatever responsibility falls on your shoulders, you must carry it out. The media language in Turkey has become toxic - there is a real need for clean language. And we believe you are among those who uphold that standard.
I wish you success. I wish success to everyone. God willing, we will share better news with our people - better news for the people of Kurdistan - through your platform. I send my greetings to your entire staff, and to our nation - the nation of Kurdistan.
